Bullying probe ends at Sunderland health centre

Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre, Sunderland

BOSSES at a city health centre say “appropriate action” has been taken over claims staff were bullied by colleagues.

As revealed by the Echo earlier this year, a probe was launched at Grindon Lane Health Centre, where about 50 people work, after the allegations surfaced.

No workers were suspended while the inquiry took place.

Ian Frame, executive director for personnel and development at South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, which provides community health services in Sunderland, said that the investigation has now concluded and that “appropriate action has been taken”. The Trust would not comment further.

“We take all allegations of bullying and harassment seriously and have policies in place to ensure that staff know what to do if they have any concerns.”

The minor injuries unit part of the health centre could close under new proposals after NHS bosses said earlier this year that the creation of walk-in centres had failed to take significant pressure from the A&E ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

A new 24-hour urgent care centre is expected to be developed at the hospital, leading to the closure of the minor injury and illness unit at Grindon.

However, it will remain open and continue to provide a number of health services.

A new GP-led minor injuries unit will open at Houghton Primary Care Centre, with similar services continuing to be provided to patients at Bunny Hill and Washington Primary Care Centres.

People are being invited to consultation events about the plans, the next of which is at Sunderland Central Community Fire Station at 2pm today, with a final meeting at the Sandhill Centre, in Grindon Lane, at 6pm on Tuesday, November 20.

Patients and the general public can have their say about the proposal by completing a questionnaire at www.sotw.nhs.uk/yoursay/consultations or by calling 529 7038. Consultation closes on Friday, November 30.

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